We hope you will find this information useful and informative. Please continue to check this website often, as information will be continuously updated.

Help for families and advocates of children with special needs can be obtained by calling the Consult Line at 1-800-879-2301, or request ConsultLine to contact you by using the on-line request form available at: http://odr-pa.org/contact-consultline/

Voter Registration ServicesAs part of its provision of services to special education students designed for transition to adult life, school districts and other local education agencies are required to afford students the opportunity to register to vote upon attaining 18 years of age. For all information regarding voter registration services or to obtain a voter registration application, you may go to the followings Basic Education Circulars (BECs).

In accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Chapters 14 and 15 of the State Board Regulations, PDE provides general supervision over all public schools, school districts, and other public education agencies within the state to ensure that each student with a disability receives a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and that each family has the benefits of a system of procedural safeguards. Learn More

Complaint FormThe Complaint Form and procedures are to be utilized to file a complaint with the Bureau of Special Education. Please click on the link below to obtain a copy of the Complaint Form and/or State Complaint Resolution Procedures.

The Complaint Form can also be found at odr.pattan.netGo to Consultline - Complaint Information Packet and Form.

The following links will provide the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act regulatory language relative to Equitable Participation services for parentally placed private school students with disabilities; a question and answer document developed by the Bureau of Special Education clarifying frequently asked questions and a powerpoint presentation regarding Equitable Participation.

LEA Model Policies and ProceduresUnder the regulatory provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Part B (IDEA-B), to be eligible for funds the Local Educational Agency (LEA) must, among many things, demonstrate to the satisfaction of the State Education Agency (SEA) that it meets the conditions in §§300.101 through 300.163, and §§300.165—300.174. The conditions under §300.220 require the LEAs to have in effect policies, procedures, and programs that are consistent with the State policies and procedures established under §§ 300.101 through 300.163, and §§300.165—300.174. The Board approved LEA Policies and Procedures must be on file with the Department of Education. This current model of LEA Policies and Procedures is formatted to facilitate future modifications of the policies and procedures. Modifications to the IDEA Policies and Procedures may be necessary to ensure compliance with Part 300, if: (1) The provisions of the IDEA or the implementing regulations are amended; (2) There is a new interpretation of the IDEA by Federal or State courts; or (3) There is an official finding of noncompliance with Federal or State law or regulations.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education is moving forward to inform all stakeholders regarding the amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act that were signed into law by the President, December 3, 2004. IDEIA 2004 maintains the basic principles of the law, a free appropriate public education for all students with disabilities, in the least restrictive environment, however, there are many changes and modifications to the IEP process and other aspects of the identification and evaluation of students with disabilities.

Most new requirements are effective July 1, 2005. PDE is working through its PaTTAN staff and Intermediate Units to provide awareness and specific training on the new requirements to all stakeholders. Please find below, a listing of activities and information to assist schools and parents in implementation of this new law.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education is committed to ongoing information sharing, dialog, and training regarding new law. The website will be updated with new information as it becomes available.